Animals put on a show at Chambersburg Pet Parade

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. - Buddy was not always someone's buddy. He was once one of the thousand homeless animals waiting with wet noses and bright eyes for someone to love.

A smiling dog with lots of love to spread, Buddy has come a long way from the underweight miniature lab who jumped into his would-be owner's arms, begging to be rescued.

The tail that once curled under in timidity now bounces back and forth schmoozing judges at the annual Chambersfest Pet Parade and spreading hope to the animals still waiting at the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter for their buddy to walk through the door.

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Buddy and dozens of Franklin County's pampered pets put on their best behavior on Monday to support the shelter and to help the homeless find homes.

With titles like "Most Congenial," "Best Kisser" and "Pet/Owner Look-Alike" up for grabs, the task of raising money went to the dogs ... and the cats, chickens, snails, turtles and pigs.

Many pets, like Buddy, were veterans of the parade.

Larry and Wanda Mann of Chambersburg have entered the miniature lab in the past and came out Monday to defend his title as the friendliest or most congenial dog in Chambersburg.

"He is stingy with his kisses, but once you meet him, you will always be his friend," Wanda Mann said.

The competition was tough at the 2008 parade, said judge Nancy Gardner, CVAS board president.

"We were given categories, but the rest is up to us," she said.

The pets fawned for the judges, slobbered all over this year's kissee, CVAS director Jennifer Vanderau, and donned fancy duds for their chance at fame.

Wheeling her westie mix named Angel into the area at Wilson College, Keona Fogal, 14, of Chambersburg, was confident that her homemade costume and buggy getup was going to defend her title as Best Pet/Owner Look-a-Like.

"I do it completely different each year so I have a shot," she said.

Others like Annie Marzullo, 11, of Orrstown, Pa., was not as confident that her pet Penelope the pig would win.

In the end, most of the contestants walked away a winner, and those that didn't knew they did their part for the homeless pets in Franklin County.

"Its for a good cause, so it is worth it no matter what," said Larry Mann.

Thirty-two pets entered the parade.

Pet Parade winners

Largest Entry: Molly, a St. Bernard shown by Georgia Warren of Shippensburg, Pa.